Hedgehog welcome! Prenzlau puts Tiny Houses for spiky winter sleepers

Hedgehog welcome! Prenzlau puts Tiny Houses for spiky winter sleepers

In Prenzlau, an unusual project is launched: Two tiny, rent-free Tiny Houses are ready to serve as a winter quarters for hedgehogs! René Stüpmann, Managing Director of Wohnbau GmbH, proudly presented the small houses that offer the prickly animals a protected retreat. "The city center of Prenzlau is almost fully rented. We can be rightly proud of that," said Stüpmann at a press date in the seaside resort.

The tiny dwellings are too small for people, but they are the perfect place for hedgehogs that prepare for hibernation. Mayor Hendrik Sommer and the city representatives were enthusiastic about this animal -friendly initiative. "Here the spikedhes can comfortably make hibernation," said Sommer and praised the gift from Wohnbau GmbH, which offers the igars a safe home during the cold months.

a year for the hedgehogs

2024 is celebrated as the year of the hedgehog, proclaimed by the German Wildlife Foundation. Stüpmann and his team have already taken further measures to draw attention to the needs of these animals, including the equipment of kindergartens with hedgehog houses. "The children learned exciting about Eddy's friends," reported marketing expert Jenny Busse and unveiled that hedgehogs have between 5000 and 7000 spines - in contrast to their mascot Eddy with only 26 spines.

But the hedgehog houses alone do not solve the basic problem. Florian Andres, clerk for landscape and environmental planning, pointed out that the city and many private gardens are often too good. "The lying pile of leaves and wild corners should not be an indication of laziness," says Andres. These natural areas offer protection and food for the hedgehogs that native plants and shelter need to get through the winter.